Haaland Nets a Brace as Man City Triumph to Go Top.
Erling Haaland took his tally league goals of the campaign.
Match Summary
Pep Guardiola's side move top in the top flight following their victory.
The prolific forward takes his tally to 19 league goals this campaign.
The Dutch midfielder finds the net for City prior to the interval.
The Norwegian goal machine found the net on two occasions to help the reigning champions defeat struggling West Ham United for a fifth consecutive top-flight win.
The win sent them top of the table, one point clear of their title rivals, a side that can reclaim top spot in their evening fixture.
The visiting team, managed by Nuno, needed a positive start however found themselves behind inside five minutes when Haaland scored at the second attempt.
West Ham's defense were cut open with ease and Haaland somehow missed a close-range header soon after scoring.
The Dutchman did get on the scoresheet shortly before the break, taking Haaland's pass before jinking forward and hammering a finish into the roof of the net.
After the interval, West Ham sought a consolation but Jarrod Bowen hit the side netting and sent another effort off target.
The striker's brace sealed a miserable festive period for the visitors, who are stuck inside the bottom three.
Manchester City Analysis: A Dominant Display
This was City's seventh consecutive win in every competition and Pep Guardiola's side are building the kind of run that typically ends with trophies.
The Norwegian's opener and second-half finish continued an remarkable campaign where he has notched 19 league goals.
Once Reijnders slammed in the second, the outcome seemed certain as City stretched their remarkable unbeaten run against sides in the drop zone.
Alphonse Areola denied two City players late on, but City's commanding win means they have not lost against West Ham in two decades of league meetings.
Hammers' Troubles: A Miserable Christmas
The traveling support, any hope of a surprise result was extinguished within five minutes of the start.
The team have failed to see a boost from a coaching change, winning just two and now winless in their past six league fixtures.
Consequently, they sit 18th in the table, three points adrift, with the gap could grow as other teams have games in hand.
Aside from a few half-chances for Jarrod Bowen and a well-struck free-kick, they offered little threat for the opposition goalkeeper.
Historically, West Ham have survived relegation when outside the bottom place at Christmas, providing a glimmer of hope for the current campaign.
What's Next?
Manchester City: They enjoy a week off before returning to action with a visit to Nottingham Forest.
Nuno's team: They host Fulham at their home ground on the identical date.
